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. 2012 Aug;26(3):125-30.
doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1329414.

Fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing

Affiliations

Fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing

William M Ramsdell. Semin Plast Surg. 2012 Aug.

Abstract

Currently available ablative fractional CO2 lasers provide excellent results and diminish down time with fewer complications than previous generation CO2 lasers. Mechanisms of action, treatment parameters, as well as pre- and postoperative care will be discussed.

Keywords: CO2; ablative; collagen; fractional.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A 66-year-old woman (A) Before and (B) after Active FX resurfacing and transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty. Active FX settings: two passes, 100 mJ, 60 W, pattern 1, size 9, density 6; periorbital areas: two passes, 80 mJ, 45 W, pattern 5, size 6, density 4 and density 3; feathering with handpiece held tangentially: 80 mJ, 45 W, pattern 1, size 9, density 3.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Combination ice-pick and box-car-type scarring. (A) Before and (B) after punch excisions followed by two passes of Active FX at 125 mJ, density 6. Periorbital areas: one pass Active FX at 80 mJ, density 3.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Box-car-type acne scarring. (A) Before and (B) after fractional resurfacing. One pass of Deep FX at 22.5 mJ, 10% density, one pulse, followed by Active FX at 125 mJ, density 5. Periorbital areas: one pass Active FX at 80 mJ, density 2.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Rolling scars. (A) Before and (B) after treatment, showing only modest improvement despite aggressive settings. Punch excisions were followed by both Deep FX and Active FX. Deep FX: 125 mJ, density 20%, two pulses to most severely affected areas. Active FX: 1 pass at 125 mJ, density 7 to entire face except periorbital areas: 80 mJ, density 4. Silon II was placed as a wound dressing for 3 days to speed healing and reduce inflammation.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Facelift scar. (A) Before and (B) after fractional resurfacing. Two passes of Active FX at 90 mJ, density 4.

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